Lee and Indian Motorcycle Celebrate the ‘Original Rider’

by · WWD
Lee x Indian MotorcycleCourtesy

A new collection celebrates the legacy of two American brands.

On Thursday, Lee launched a curated men’s collection with Indian Motorcycle, the first U.S. motorcycle company founded in 1901. The collection showcases Lee’s archival silhouettes worn nearly a century ago that still resonate with consumers, including the Lee 101Z jean and Lee Rider jacket.

Together, the two brands share a history of craftsmanship and authenticity. Once a staple among cowboys and railroad workers, the Lee 101 became a symbol of youth rebellion in the 1950s, when James Dean popularized the jeans and helped solidify their association with biker culture.

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“Lee 101 represents the pinnacle of Lee’s heritage denim, and like Indian Motorcycle, is designed with top quality and craftsmanship,” said Sedgwick Cole Jr., Lee’ senior director of global design. He added that the capsule was inspired by the “significance of the Original Rider.”

Lee x Indian Motorcycle

“It’s a dual meaning: the person who rides Indian Motorcycles now and then, and the iconic Lee Rider jacket and jean. This capsule is designed for the trailblazer inside all of us,” Cole said.

Key pieces include the Lee x Indian Motorcycle Rider Jacket and 101Z Rider Jean. Both are crafted from premium Italian selvedge denim from Candiani and is offered in raw and black washes. The pieces feature custom hardware and intricate embroidery highlighting Indian Motorcycle’s iconic headdress badge.

The collection also offers a heritage-inspired herringbone Union-Alls jumpsuit, a chambray 101 work shirt, and heavyweight graphic tees, each incorporating co-branded details, archival influences and Indian Motorcycle’s iconic headdress logo.

The collection is part of Indian Motorcycle’s milestone year celebrations.

“As two iconic American brands, this collaboration represents our shared roots in craftsmanship, individuality and the spirit of adventure,” said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. “We’re excited to bring this partnership to life as Indian Motorcycle continues its 125th anniversary celebration, a milestone that gives us the opportunity to honor our past while looking ahead to what’s next. Together, we’ve created something that feels authentically American and true to the enduring spirit of both brands.”

The Lee x Indian Motorcycle collection is available now at Lee.com in the U.S. and Europe and owned retailers in Europe. It is also sold at Bike Shed Moto Co.’s store in Los Angeles. The collection retails for $49-$279.

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